Paregoric • Dover's Powder • Parepectolin

What Parents Need to Know

Opiates are powerful drugs derived from the poppy plant that have been used for centuries to relieve pain. Examples of opiates would include opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine. Even centuries after their discovery, opiates are still the most effective pain relievers available to physicians for treating pain. Although heroin has no medicinal use, other opiates, such as morphine and codeine, are used in the treatment of pain related to illnesses and dental procedures. When used as directed by a physician, opiates are safe and generally do not produce addiction. But opiates also possess very strong reinforcing affects and can quickly trigger addiction when used improperly.
People who experiment with opiates may start by oral use or snorting, but often progress to intravenous use because the affects are stronger. When the veins get damaged and can no longer be used, hypodermic injections are the next substitute. This is called “muscling” or “skin popping”.
Opiates can produce a quick, intense feeling of pleasure followed by a sense of well-being a calm drowsiness. When opiates are injected, the user feels an immediate “rush”. Other initial and unpleasant affects include nausea, vomiting and restlessness. With very large doses, the user can not be awakened, skin becomes cold and moist, pupils become smaller and breathing slows down, possibly causing death.

Heroin Facts

• Opiates have been used medical and non-medically for centuries
• Opiates are a highly addicted drug
• Effects the section of the brain that controls intellect